Launceston

It’s the 9th largest non-state-capital city in Australia. Yet whilst the statistics are a tad unimpressive, Launceston more than makes up for it in terms of visitor attractions.

European settlers arrived in Launceston in the early 1800s, making it one of Australia’s oldest cities. It’s a temperate place, with the change of seasons clearly visible on the banks of the dominating Tamar River.

Things to do in Launceston

Cataract Gorge
It may have natural Australia’s most unappealing name, but Cataract Gorge is Launceston’s (and possibly Tasmania’s) most popular tourist attraction.

You’ll find it at the lower end of the South Esk River, just a 15 minute stroll from Launceston Centre.

The world’s longest chairlift, with a central span stretching 308m, lets you ride high above the natural basin, and poses the age old question: do you sit back and take it all in, or capture it all on video? Why not ride twice and do both?

City Park
The eastern edge of Launceston is where you’ll find the botanic gardens, a number of different museums and a monkey enclosure. A train tours the park most days.

Old Wharf
The J.Boag and Son brewery offers ever-popular tours. The museum, gift shop, and beer tasting are all popular Launceston attractions, though not necessarily in that order.

Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery, Inveresk
Since it’s redevelopment in 2001 this has become one of the most popular things to do in Launceston – and there’s certainly lots going on. Visit the railway workshop, view Tasmanian art, get stuck in with the interactive science centre and tour the museum and its exhibits.

Cameron Street
Do be sure to look around you as you wander the city as there’s plenty of old colonial architecture to admire. Most of these buildings date back to the mid to late 1800s during Australia’s gold rush.

In particular, Cameron Street, near Civic Square, is an almost perfectly preserved 19th century street – and much of the architecture is original.

Shopping
There’s a sweet shop in the city’s main shopping area on Brisbane Street Mall/Quadrant Mall (just south of Civic Square). It’s something of a Launceston icon, offering old-style confectionary, and well worth a visit if you’ve a sweet tooth. The town’s retail area is only small but the cafés around Yorktown Square are lovely.

Tamar River Cruises
Catch a cruise from the terminal near Ritchie’s Mill Arts Centre. The journey takes you along the river to the mouth of the Cataract Gorge. Be sure to explore the arts centre too. It’s been converted from a mill into galleries.

Find more things to do in Tasmania
Book accommodation in Launceston

Tasmania

Putting Launceston on the map

Some places seem eager to tell you some fairly obscure things.

Take Launceston. It proudly tells the world it was the first Australian city with sewers, saw the southern hemisphere’s first use of anaesthetic, and pioneered Australian hydroelectricity.